Northern Brush-tailed Phascogale  |  

Phascogale pirata

Status: Vulnerable on the EPBC Act list

The Northern Brush-tailed Phascogale is a carnivorous marsupial approximately 15–21 cm long, with silvery to dark grey fur and long dark hairs on the tail, which form a distinctive brush. The hairs can be stiffened when alarmed, giving a bottle-brush appearance. The species has a notably pointed snout, large ears and eyes and weighs about 150–200 g.

Government evidence of impact of climate change:

Expand all Close all
  • Australian Government, Conservation Advice, Phascogale pirata

    The incidence of severe cyclones is expected to increase in this region as a consequence of global climate change (NRETAS; 2009a).
    Threats The general decline in native mammals in the Northern Territory suggests that the Northern Brush tailed Phascogale is likely to be affected by similar threats including habitat clearing; invasive species and changed fire regimes.
    Changed fire regimes are likely to lead to reduction in forest structure (Liedloff and Cook; 2007) and availability of suitable tree hollows (Williams et al.; 1999).

  • Australian Government, Listing Advice, Phascogale pirata

    The incidence of severe cyclones is expected to increase in this region as a consequence of global climate change (NRETAS; 2009). 3.
    Threats Past N A Present The general decline in native mammals in the Northern Territory suggest the Northern Brush tailed Phascogale is affected by similar threats including habitat clearing; invasive species and changed fire regimes.
    Changed fire regimes; including more intense fires; are likely to lead to reduction in forest structure (Liedloff and Cook; 2007) and availability of suitable tree hollows (Williams et al.; 1999).